A 12 night Magical tour of Italy. Explore some of Italy's most famous treasures and enjoying its visual splendor. Your trip is custom designed to ensure an unforgettable vacation. Including Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Florence, San Gimignano.

 

 

Departures: Flexible and customizable for private departures.

Day 1 :

Arrive in Rome

Private transfer to your hotel

In the afternoon, tour of The Best of Rome : Rome’s most famous squares, monuments, fountains and artists offer you the very best on this 3.5 hour walking tour. Let the Eternal City enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways and discover some of the world’s most famous sites, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Travel through time and admire all of the City center’s must-see art and architecture, all in a single afternoon! You will begin in Piazza del Popolo, which traditionally marks the northern “door to Rome” with the church Santa Maria del Popolo which was often the first church visitors to Rome would see upon entering its gates. The Spanish Steps with their lively atmosphere and stunning view bring you down into the winding alleys of the heart of the historic center – where you encounter the Trevi Fountain, which needs no introduction.

The path continues with a stop at Piazza Colonna which contains the column erected by Marcus Aurelius and is considered by Romans as the very center of the city. You will also stop at the Pantheon which, with its impressive concrete dome and open oculus, never fails to impress. Nearby you'll explore Piazza Navona, with Bernini’s famous “Fountain of the Four Rivers” triumphantly marking its center. Next, Campo de’ Fiori gives you a taste of one of the liveliest and famous traditional Roman piazzas. After stops at the Fountain of the Turtles, Teatro Marcello (the “Little Colosseum”) and the Capitoline hill - you cap off the tour with a grand finish and coffee stop at the Caffarelli terrace with a splendid view over the historic center of Rome.

 

Day 2 :

Discover the beauty of Ancient Rome in the morning: Your tour will begin atop Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Colosseum, modern Rome’s most recognizable landmark and one of Ancient Rome’s most vital social centers. From there we will descend to a special Skip the Line access to the Colosseum. Once inside, our expert official guide will talk you through the bloody past of the amphitheater as you listen to tales of gladiators, mock sea-battles and executions. After a brief rest at the Arch of Constantine, you will arrive at the Palatine Hill- the most famous of the 7 hills of Rome. From here you will admire the views of the Roman Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held. Romulus and Remus were said to have been found on the Palatine by the she-wolf who nursed and raised them. Legend holds that Romulus went on to found Rome. The last stop of the tour is a walk along the “Via Sacra” or “Sacred Way” which is the main path through the Roman Forum that once sparkled with festivals and triumphal processions. The tour ends at the Temple which houses the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated. Visitors from around the world still leave flowers and candles at this site today.
Afternoon & evening at leisure.

 

Day 3 :

Train to Naples

Transfer to Sorrento

Check in at the hotel

Free afternoon to enjoy Sorrento

 

Day 4 :

Breakfast at hotel

Excursion to Pompeii and Vesuvio

Vist the Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The archaeological site, with its excavated area, extends for approximately 44 ha. The preservation state of its buildings, due to the Vesuvio's particular burial (under a blanket of 6 meter of ash and rock,) makes Pompeii the only archaelogical site which gives the real image of a Roman city.  Free time for lunch.  Departure to Mount Vesuvius up to 1000 meters.  If you'd like, escorted by a specialized guide, you can walk to the summit.  Mt. Vesuvius is the best known volcano on earth; it dominates the Bay of Naples with its characteristic cone. Proceeding along the rim of the crater, you can observe the whole extent of the southern part of the volcano. On days with good visibility, it is possible to see the entire gulf of Naples, from the Sorrento peninsula to Cape Miseno, Procida and Ischia. On the journey back you have the option of visiting a cameo and coral factory, or a ceramic shop, typical of this area.

 

Day 5 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Full day excursion to the island of Capri

No holiday on the the Amalfi Coast would be complete without a trip to the evocative island of Capri! During the crossing, a breathtaking sight of our Coast from Amalfi to Campanella Cape and of the Sorrento Coast will disclose before your eyes. Arrival in Capri to enjoy a guided tour of the island.  You will visit Anacapri, with Villa St Michele, built by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe on the remains of Roman ruins.  This villa offers a wonderful view of the island from its beautiful shady garden. After lunch, visit to the Garden of Augustus, with a wonderful view of the famous “Faraglioni”. The main square Piazza Umberto I, has a pretty white church and several open-air cafes where you can sit and watch the world drift by. Free time for shopping and browsing around the elegant and exclusive island boutiques. Transfer by steamer from Capri to Amalfi.

 

Day 6 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Amalfi Coast Drive

Tour of the enchanting Amalfi Coast where the most beautiful coastline in world offers incredible views throughout its course. Visit the town of Sorrento which has been a popular resort since Roman Times, perched above the sea with its picturesque bays. Enjoy distant views of the Isle of Capri, while admiring the surrounding hills covered in vines.

Positano, with its delightful white and pastel-colored houses that line the hillside, enjoys an unsurpassed position along the Amalfi coast. Stroll along the narrow alleyways and visit the beautiful beaches, its ancient fishing port, the splendid majolica dome of the church of Santa Maria Assunta and artisan shops. Enjoy a taste of the “Dolce Vita”.

The town of Amalfi boasts a prestigious past when it once was a major naval power. With its labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways that climb the surrounding hills, the town features typical Mediterranean style architecture with houses appearing to be piled one on top of the other. visit the celebrated “Paradise Cloister” built in Arabian style that dates back to the thirteenth century.

Next there will be a visit to the town of Ravello, that sits high up above the Amalfi Coast. Here you can visit the famous Villa Cimbrone and take in the incredible views from the “Terrace of Infinity”.

Stop for a nice lunch in a restaurant where you can taste the best fresh home made pasta and the local wine.

 

Day 7 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Private transfer to Naples train station

Train to Florence

Check in at the hotel

Free afternoon to enjoy Florence

 

Day 8 :

Breakfast at the hotel

In the morning guided tour of the Accademia museum to admire the famous sculpture of the David by Michelangelo. Total immersion in the art of Michelangelo. The young artist carved the David from a huge block of rough marble in three years, creating an imposing sculpture of absolute beauty, an icon of the Renaissance model. One interesting detail: the David is portrayed in the moment just before making his move towards Golia, not afterwards, like in many other other artists’ representations. Michelangelo depicted a magnificent nude young man at the height of his physical vigour, and his intense expression of strength and courage rose as a symbol of power and invincibility of the Florentine Republic at the time of its maximum splendor.

Afternoon city tour of the Uffizi museums. You can’t leave Florence without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world. Here you can admire numerous works of art by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue, Masaccio. You will be able to understand and observe how changes in the way of living and thinking - throughout history - are reflected in the arts.
Evening at leisure.

Includes: Transport, guide, museum, entrance fees with booking.

 

Day 9 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Full day tour of Siena and San Gimignano: A beautiful excursion through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees.

Upon arrival in Siena, a guided tour of the old city centre: walking along the small medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and ending up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior including the Libreria Piccolomini and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful in the world, where you will find the Palazzo del Comune (exterior). Free time for lunch (not included).

Departure for San Gimignano a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures; free time to discover this fascinating city. During the return journey, along the way visitors can admire the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls, still intact.

Includes: transport, tour escort, local guide in Siena, museum entrance fees.

 

Day 10 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning free to enjoy Florence and do some shopping

Afternoon excursion to Chianti

A journey through the Chianti countryside, one of the most suggestive areas of Tuscany famous the world over for its wine, to reach a magnificent Castle: a visit to the gardens and the splendid cellar with its the famous barrels of the Chianti Classico wine. Stop for snack and wine tasting, followed by a visit to one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the area. For dinner: a typical meal (with rich menu and excellent Chianti wine) in the magical atmosphere of an old village among the hills.

The excursions take place in different areas of the Chianti region.

Weather permitting, dinner will be served in the open.

 

Day 11 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Train to Rome

Check in at Rome hotel and free afternoon to enjoy the city

 

Day 12 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning tour of the Vatican: Explore one of world’s most fascinating Meccas on the Vatican City Tour. Stroll the Vatican Museums, which house over 2000 rooms and 9 miles of the most extensive collection of art in the world. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the Museums brim with treasures and history. They will share the stories and secrets contained within the Museum’s walls, pleasures originally meant for the exclusive enjoyment of the Pope. Experience Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam with your own eyes as you explore the Sistine Chapel and wander Raphael’s Rooms. After taking in the Museums, be humbled by the imposing beauty of Saint Peter’s Basilica, where you will encounter another of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, La Pietà. For a fascinating finish, you will stop to admire the magnificent Saint Peter’s Square, as your guide points out Bernini’s ingenious use of optical illusion.

Afternoon free to enjoy the city.

 

Day 13 :

Breakfast at the hotel

Private transfer to Fiumicino airport and departure

 

Price: Price will depend of accommodation choice (4 or 5 star hotels) and choice of tours (group or private) Please inquire for a custom quote. The price is customized based on final hotel choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences.